Thanks for those tips fellas.....I'm in the try-out stage now!
I needed a logger which kept track of names, locations, plus could handle my half-hour time zone.
Your inputs are much appreciated, including the ADIF tip too.
Tnx,
Adrian

Can anyone suggest a basic logging software package? I just want to note the basic QSO details, including name and remarks. I don't need contest info or scoring, propagation, dx info, etc. If its easy to use, but advanced features can be ignored for the time, I would try it. I have tried various free downloads, but they have lots of stuff that complicate the situation. Or should I devise my own database?
But there must be a simple application out there!
Thanks,
Adrian

Thanks for the best info I have found on the net for winding mobile helicals! Much appreciated. Now my 2c worth re a groundplane.....imagine that you have wound your helical......lift off the wire from the base ferrule...now add several turns of the same wire close wound close to the metal ferrule at the base, and join to to the antena wire and the ferrule.
Feed the antenna here (The junction of the 2 windings) with coax. You will need to make a bracket to support the coax socket at the right height. Of course ground the ferrule where you have fixed the mounting bracket which also grounds the coax outer. An insulated ant base is not required now.  Then ground it to the bike frame. This should make it easier to match, although nothing substitutes for a good groundplane.
Hope this helps, but you will need to experiment.
73 2 all!